Cleaning Up Cancer

Casey Wonnenberg reports:

sioux falls, sd

This time of the year, many companies look for ways to give back to the community. And for Karl's TV, Audio and Appliances, this year's donation is hitting especially close to home as they work to clean up cancer.

It's an unusual sight as you walk into the Sanford Cancer Center: a washer and dryer covered in ribbons.

"This is kind of different and eye-catching," Karl's TV, Audio and Appliances owner Elmer Karl said.

That's one of the reasons Karl decided to raffle off a washer and dryer. All of the proceeds will go to Bloom The Boutique to hand out wigs to those battling cancer.

"A lady who especially has a lot of hair and all of a sudden loses it all, it's good to keep your spirits up," Karl said.

Karl knows that first-hand. His daughter, Cindi, is battling colon cancer. She was diagnosed almost three years ago.

"There's been other cancer victims in our company," Karl said.

That includes General Manager Tom Johnson and his wife. Johnson is a survivor of testicular cancer. His wife, Cheryl, was diagnosed with a soft tissue cancer in July which spread to her lungs. She's now undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

"The first three rounds have really kicked her hard. She's at the bottom. She's very, very weak. Otherwise she'd be here today," Johnson said.

But something that has helped both Cheryl and Cindi was receiving a free wig from Bloom, which is common for cancer victims.

"What about my hair? How do I look? What am I going to do without it," Bloom Assistant Manager Donna Harrison said.

Harrison says the money in the Bloom's fund to pay for wigs for cancer victims has run out. That's why the meaning behind a washer and dryer is even more important this Christmas, especially for Karl's employees.

"When all of a sudden your hair starts to fall out, that affects you. By being able to be whole again, or as whole as you can, that was a big lift for her," Johnson said.

If you would like to buy a raffle ticket, you can pick one up at Bloom which is at the Sanford Cancer Center or any Karl's stores. The tickets are $10 each.